Motorsport Australia Superlicences ‘cancelled’

Motorsport Australia’s Superlicence system, whereby drivers earned points via various national championship categories to attain a ‘Superlicence’ – and theoretical entry to racing a Supercar – has been scrapped.

Controversy has surrounded the Superlicence system recently, with Supercars itself adding additional requirements to MA’s Superlicence regulations – effectively involving a compulsory season of racing in its Super2 development series – before recognising a driver’s Superlicence, and thus their acceptability to race a Supercar.

It has precluded successfully qualified drivers graduating directly from all other categories – including FIA TCR, S5000, TransAm, GT and, until last week, Carrera Cup – to Supercars. To many in the industry, the additional requirement is simply seen as ‘protection’ for Super2, into which teams sell or lease their old cars.

The abolition of the entire Superlicence process, from Jan 1, 2024, could be seen as a means of overcoming that barrier as well as simplifying the licensing requirements – which will now simply revert to possession of an International ‘C’ licence (as well as a minimum age of 17 and requisite medical checks).

Interest will surround Supercars’ response, and whether it will persist in maintaining its controversial Super2 compulsion – which it would have to regulate from scratch, again. Supercars last week notably ’tweaked’ its own rules to accommodate two young drivers who would otherwise have been unqualified (in terms of Super2 experience), to drive Wildcard entries at Bathurst this year.

International ‘C’ licences are obtainable by any drivers competing satisfactorily in five National status race meetings over a period of up to 24 months.

The announcement was explained by the soon-to-depart CEO of Motorsport Australia, Eugene Arocca:

“The Board today considered and discussed a recommendation put forward by the Australian Motor Racing Commission (AMRC). Following those deliberations, the Board resolved to no longer require Supercars drivers to hold a Superlicence from the start of next year,” Arocca said.

“This decision follows recent changes to the power-to-weight requirements and age limits imposed on those seeking to obtain a Circuit licence. Those requirements did not exist when the Superlicence was introduced, therefore the Board is comfortable that these restrictions effectively ensure that only qualified drivers of the right age will be able to apply for and receive an International Circuit Licence, in line with FIA requirements.

“The Superlicence was always a free endorsement for Australian drivers on their existing licence, so this will not require Supercars drivers to make any changes in 2024 and beyond as current drivers will already hold an International Circuit Licence and can simply renew as normal. New drivers can apply for an International Circuit Licence via the Motorsport Australia website or by contacting our membership team.”

Supercars has issued a response to the revelation, stating it will “review” the Superlicence situation.

“Supercars will review the decision made by Motorsport Australia in consultation with the Commission and Board,” a Supercars spokesperson said.

“The current Superlicence criteria is used to effectively uphold safety standards and maintain the competitiveness and integrity of the championship.”

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